20 luxury hotels we love around the world

Between constant business trips across Asia and personal holidays in far-flung destinations around Europe and North America, the team here at Lifestyle Asia HQ is a well-travelled bunch. (Don’t ask us how many miles we’ve flown this year — it would take too long to calculate.) In the course of our travels we’ve stayed at many amazing places, but some hotels outshine the rest — and we want you to know where they are. Without further ado, here are 20 luxury hotels that we absolutely love, from New York to London to Tokyo and everywhere in between.

Paresa Resort Phuket

Phuket has unfortunately become very touristy in the last few years. Paresa Resort Phuket, however, offers a completely different experience. You can spend your entire holiday at the resort, excluded from everything else, including the annoying crowds of people. Best of all, the property is set on a cliff that offers a stunning view over the beautiful ocean. —Christopher Lindvall, Founder & Director

Park Hyatt New York

You can live like a billionaire at Park Hyatt New York, which occupies the first 25 floors of One57, one of the mega skyscrapers that’s popped up in recent years in an area of Midtown Manhattan nicknamed Billionaires’ Row. Opened in 2014, this property is the global flagship of the Park Hyatt brand, and it feels more like a tasteful urban residence than a hotel. The luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, are amongst the largest of any New York City hotel, and the bathrooms in particular are impeccable. The central location is ideal for visitors — the hotel offers all guests a complimentary chauffeured Mercedes-Benz S550 for trips within a 10-block radius — and the service is top-notch. Some of my favourite features include the spacious gym with views of Central Park and the elegant indoor pool, which plays an underwater soundtrack of classical music courtesy of nearby Carnegie Hall. —Michael Alan Connelly, Editor in Chief

The Langham, London

Just a short walk away from Oxford Circus, The Langham, London couldn’t be more centrally located. A stay here means you’re only minutes away from the shopping of Regent Street as well as some of the best bars in London, one of which is in the hotel lobby: Artesian. If money’s no object, book a stay in the Infinity Suite; Taylor Swift reportedly counts it amongst her favourites, so you’ll be resting your head in the same king-size four-poster bed as the stars. —Evelyn Lok, Associate Editor

The Reverie Saigon

Definitely not the place to go if you prefer understated glamour, The Reverie Saigon is one of the most extravagant hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The whole property makes you feel like you’re in some sort of Alice in Wonderland-esque fantasia, with haute Italian furniture, dazzling jewels and palatial-style luxury everywhere you look. It’s definitely ostentatious, but in the best possible way — plus the views are stunning. For those looking to feel like royalty for a night or two, this is the place to stay. —Leslie Yeh, Managing Editor

Mandarin Oriental, Macau

Given that Mandarin Oriental, Macau is connected to One Central Macau, staying there is extremely convenient. Though the lobby is not as large as those in other casino hotels, this allows the hotel staff to be more attentive to guests on arrival and departure. I stayed in the Deluxe Lake View Room and had a beautiful view of the bridges and lakes in Macau. It was one of those “wow” moments, very impressive and memorable for me or anyone staying there. Vida Rica Restaurant is fantastic: The food is tasty and, as you will find, the prices are way better than in Hong Kong. —Tony Cheong, Regional Sales Director

Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

If I could close my eyes and teleport anywhere instantly, more often than not I’d wish to be on the balcony of my room at Rome Cavalieri, peering out at the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and the rest of the Eternal City. A bastion of gilded luxury perched atop Monte Mario, Rome’s highest hill, this exquisite hotel is home to a stunning private art collection with more than 1,000 pieces, as well as the city’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, La Pergola. It’s a very special experience to spend a day taking in all the historical wonders Rome has to offer, then returning to your hotel to gaze out over this magical city. This property should be on the bucket list of every traveller. —MAC

Baros Maldives

Unlike a lot of Maldives resorts that require a trip on a seaplane to get to, Baros Maldives is conveniently located only 25 minutes away from the airport by luxury speedboat. (The resort provides complimentary pick-up service to and from the airport, a good deal considering a trip on a seaplane can easily cost HK$4,000 per person each way.) During your stay, you’ll be provided with a dedicated villa host who ensures you’re well taken care of and handles all requests, including spa treatment bookings, dinner reservations and — if you require — freshly cut aloe vera for sunburns. The Water Pool Villa is simply incredible, from the private infinity pool with LED lights that flicker at night to the spacious wooden deck with sun loungers that also includes direct access to the ocean below. —Cindie Chan, Style Editor

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

Everything always seems perfect in Japan, and that’s exactly how I felt when I stayed at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. Located in Nihonbashi, not far from Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace Gardens, this stunning property smartly has a lobby at the top of the building, so you’re gobsmacked by amazing views of Tokyo even as you’re checking in. The rooms are as elegant and well furnished as you would expect, but I’d particular recommend booking a Mandarin Grand Room for the view of Mount Fuji. And while Tokyo has no shortage of spectacular food, don’t overlook the hotel’s outstanding dining options, including Tapas Molecular Bar and Sushi Sora. —MAC

Le Burgundy Paris

Whether travelling for business or pleasure, one can never complain about a great location. I love Le Burgundy Paris for its location as well as its convenience and comfort. Situated at the corner of the rue Cambon and the rue Saint-Honore, the hotel is in the midst of a shopper’s paradise. All my favourite shops, restaurants and museums — not to mention Jardin des Tuileries — are nearby, and the rooms are big by Paris standards. Despite being in a busy area, it’s quiet on the inside, and the concierge service impeccable. The staff here truly made me feel at home. —Alison Pang, Sales Manager

Jade Mountain Resort

One of the most iconic and unique properties in the world, Jade Mountain Resort sits on a hilltop on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Eco-friendly and very exclusive, the property boasts a striking design in which all 29 guest rooms feature a fourth wall that’s open to the elements — the better to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the picturesque Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. (Don’t worry, the open design still gives guests complete privacy.) The majority of the property’s accommodations are “sanctuaries” with private infinity pools, and you may just want to spend all day and night there. Fortunately, you can arrange for meals and spa treatments in your sanctuary, but I’d recommend having at least one meal at the open-air Jade Mountain Club, located at the very top of the resort. —MAC

The PuLi Hotel and Spa

Combining the feel of an intimate boutique hotel with the high-end comforts and spaciousness of an international 5-star hotel chain The PuLi Hotel and Spa is an oasis of calm in Shanghai. Bamboo, wood and natural tones comprise the entirety of the décor, making The PuLi feel like an urban retreat that takes you straight out of the city’s hustle and bustle into your own private oasis at the end of the day. The Garden Terrace is perfect for happy hour drinks and the Long Bar is a cool destination for anyone visiting Shanghai, regardless of whether you’re staying here. Finally, the location is about as central as you can get in Jing’an, right in the heart of the city. —LY

Six Senses Con Dao

If you’re craving for sun, sand, sea and privacy, Six Senses Con Dao is the place to go. Situated on an exclusive island less than an hour-long flight from Ho Chi Minh City, I fell in love with this resort the moment I arrived. My room had its own pool and patio right in front of the ocean, offering magnificent sunset views. The spa was just out of this world, and I had the most amazing massage of my life there from a renowned guest masseur from Europe. The hotel offers excellent cooking classes, at which I learnt how to make some traditional Vietnamese and brought home secret recipes from the chef. —AP

V Villas Hua Hin, MGallery by Sofitel

Though the journey to Hua Hin is quite bumpy on the road, it’s all worth it for a stay at V Villas Hua Hin, located right on the beach. I stayed in the Two-Bedroom Pool Villa: both bedrooms were top-notch, and the living area featured large, terrace-style furniture — perfect for relaxing without being directly in the sun. I’d recommend anyone staying there to get up early at least one morning to enjoy breakfast at the beachside restaurant. The food is terrific, and dining with a view of the rising sun and the ocean can’t be beat. What’s really cool is that the seating at the restaurant is slightly below ground level, putting you right at eye level with the sea and the beach — such a clever design. —TC

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo is a stone’s throw from the Imperial Palace Gardens, and there’s nothing like waking up with that view of the perfectly manicured gardens at your feet. The rooms here are A-grade, boasting that sleek minimalism the Japanese are known for, but complete with high-tech, modern amenities. It’s great for those who want to feel like they’re in the heart of Tokyo, but still prefer Western comforts at the end of the day (rather than staying in a traditional ryokan guesthouse, for instance.) Food and drink facilities are also top-notch, but for me it’s all about the rooms and that view, plus being able to walk around the gardens at night. —LY

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai

I celebrated my birthday at what was then The Nam Hai Hotel; now named Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, the property’s décor and experience have remained the same or improved. I stayed in a villa with a private swimming pool, with a teak-wood interior that radiated serenity and calm, and a butler who provided welcoming and attentive service — not always common in Vietnam. The location is ideal for venturing out to Hoi An, while the on-site spa will make you feel zen the moment you step inside. The overall experience exceeded my expectations for Vietnam — it’s one of the best I’ve ever had to this day. —AP

The Opposite House

As much as I love The Upper House, I’ll always be partial to its sister property The Opposite House, located in Beijing’s bustling Sanlitun district. Instantly recognisable from its boxy shape and exterior panels in alternating shades of green, the hotel was designed by celebrated Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who placed a breathtaking atrium in the centre of the building. I love the pared-down aesthetic of the rooms, which are all about clean lines, neutral tones, and lots of wood — providing a much-needed contrast from the busy streets below. Don’t skip a swim in the stainless steel swimming pool or cocktails at lobby bar Mesh, which is still as hip as it’s ever been. —MAC

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

A big-city hotel with a great touch of luxury, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is one of the best hotels in the world when it comes to quality and customer service. The hotel has been around for over 100 years, and yet its standards are as high as ever, being one of Mandarin Oriental’s flagship properties. From having breakfast overlooking the river on a sunny morning to enjoying live piano in the lobby once you enter, everything feels special at this beautiful hotel. —CL

Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya

I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted steer clear of Pattaya and its seedy reputation; fortunately you can do exactly that at Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya, located on a pristine stretch of sand 12.5 kilometres south of the city. Opened in late 2015, the property has 260 rooms and suites that all feature big balconies and panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand. I started each day on the balcony, sipping coffee and soaking up that incredible view; in the evenings, I’d enjoy a nightcap out there while looking at the city lights twinkling in the distance — it was magical. Between the four outstanding dining options, cooking classes, the beach, the expansive lagoon pool and the Wave Spa, there’s no need to ever leave during your stay. I certainly didn’t. —MAC

Fusion Maia Danang

At Fusion Maia Danang, it’s all about the unlimited spa treatments — yes, unlimited. For a pretty reasonable room rate, all guests are treated to all the massages, manicures, facials and other treatments they can handle, making this heaven for those who want to spend their holiday resting and relaxing the entire time. In addition to gorgeous rooms, great restaurants and the infinity pool, Fusion Maia offers things like beachside yoga and personal counselling sessions, which makes it feel like a health and wellness retreat — only without any of the detoxing and diet restrictions. They also provide a complimentary daily shuttle bus to Hoi An if you’re keen to spend a day exploring the town. —LY

Heritage Suites Hotel

Siem Reap keeps gaining traction as one of the more glamorous and sophisticated places to visit in Southeast Asia, but Heritage Suites Hotel was way ahead of the game when it opened in a grand, refurbished colonial building in 2006. The premium experience begins with your airport transfer in a vintage Mercedes-Benz, followed by your arrival at your suite outfitted with modern furnishings — complete with a standalone tub. While not exploring nearby Angkor Wat, the Heritage Spa offers refreshing treatments, and you can while away the evening at the hotel’s famed jazz nights, held every Thursday year-round. —EL